A State Rarity Rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York State.

Global Rarity Rank:G3G4

A Global Rarity Rank of G3G4 means: Vulnerable globally, or Apparently Secure -- At moderate risk of extinction, with relatively few populations or locations in the world, few individuals, and/or restricted range; or uncommon but not rare globally; may be rare in some parts of its range; possibly some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.

Did you know?
The first thing you might notice about a coastal plain pond is that there is no stream flowing in and none flowing out. Water levels of the pond, and therefore the size of the exposed pond shore, are due only to changes in an underground aquifer. During the wetter parts of the year this aquifer is high and water levels in the pond are high which translates into a very narrow pond shore. Conversely, during the dry months (late summer) the aquifer is low so water levels are low but there is a large expanse of pond shore. Every 5 years or so there is an exceptionally dry year with a lot of pond shore exposed. Plants that may not have been seen for a decade will now germinate and grow (Edinger et al 2002, Swain and Keasley 2001).

There are over 50 documented occurrences of coastal plain pond shores in New York. They are restricted to the coastal plain of Long Island. Many of these separate occurrences that occur near each other may actually be combined into pond systems because they are hydrologically connected and should be considered as one occurrence. As of now, there are an estimated 15 separate sites and about 6 pond systems documented. Many of these systems continue to be threatened by development, invasive species, changes to hydrology, and recreation (e.g.off-road vehicles and trampling).

The numbers and acreage of coastal plain pond shores in New York have declined in recent years. There are less than 400 acres currently mapped with probably less than 1000 acres extant. The total, historical, acreage is unknown but was probably less than 2000 acres. The decline is due primarily to development and the increasing demand for freshwater.

The numbers and acreage of coastal plain pond shores have declined from historical numbers primarily due to settlement of the area and the corresponding agricultural, residential, and commercial development causing both a displacement of this community and a lowering of the water table due to an increased demand for freshwater.